Tuesday, June 07, 2011

On Sunday I followed up The Story series by asking the question, "What's a reasonable response to The Story?" What is an authentic expression of our faith and thanksgiving for what God has done for us? Paul and Jesus made it clear... a reasonable response is to give God everything...your whole life...every day! (see Romans 12:1 and Mark 12:20)

I wanted to spend more time in the book of Colossians but was short on time. I talked about living a transformed life and it intrigues me how much of transformation hinges on US. God does the changing but WE need to make choices all along the way that give God the right to do the work.

It's kind of like a doctor these days. They are very concerned about lawsuits so they ask permission to do everything. I'm going to do this. Is that okay? I'm going to touch you here. Is that okay? The doctor won't do anything without your permission and God is very much the same way. You need to invite God to do his work all along the way. It's a team effort!

I know we all want God to wave a wand over us and magically change us but we need to take action. In Colossians 3 Paul tells the people what THEY are responsible to do.

5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3

For Paul to command us to do these things he must be convinced that the power of sin has been broken in our lives. He couldn't command this if he didn't. In fact, he says elsewhere that the power of sin was put to death when Jesus died. But now we need to LIVE OUT what is true. We need to put away our old life and put on the new life. The more we obey God's call the more we invite him to keep changing us into the image of Jesus. I hope that's what you want for you life!

About Me

Remy Diederich has worked with people struggling to overcome their hurts for the past fifteen years as a consultant at Arbor Place Treatment Center as well as pastor for Cedarbrook Church in Western Wisconsin. He offers workshops and retreats upon request.